South Glos Evening Handicap Triathlon Race Details

After the success and feedback from last years event, we are again putting on a handicap race at the end of the season. This is on Wednesday 12th September.

The event is held at the Cromhall Diving Centre close to the M5 Junction 14. A location map can be found on the Events page for each race. Cromhall Diving Centre entrance is situated off the B4058, close to Bibstone and Leyhill Open Prison.

Please note this does not form part of the four race Evening Triathlon series. It is a separate race, with separate prizes. Registration will open at 5.30pm and close at 6.30pm. This is very important as we loose the light very quickly at this time of the year and the first competitor off will be at 6.40pm sharp.

Competitors must register before racking their bikes. Race numbers and swim caps etc will be provided at registration. Handicaps will also be listed at registration. We are trying to avoid entries on the day so it is advisable to speak with us in advance if you think you will need a late entry. The event is being held under BTF rules. Competitors must provide their BTF license at registration, or purchase a BTF Day License (£5).

Car parking is provided around the lake. It is sign posted from the entrance and marshals will direct you. In the event that the lake is flood, then parking is at the far end and there is a short walk back to the main entrance to the registration area. Please only park in this area and do not park on the roads around the lake, or the bus depot.

Once you have registered, the transition area is located through the gate to the side of the site entrance. Signage will direct you. The transition surface is laid out with AstroTurf now. However, the road surfaces around the centre are rough in places and competitors are advised to wear footwear. In addition, the route from the swim to transition is a gravel surface. We will be laying out rubber matting to improve conditions under foot where we can.

How the handicap works and is computed

Your handicap for this race will be calculated on your best race time from this year’s series. If you have not completed one this year we will consider a result from last seasons series. Anyone entering this race in isolation will be set off with the last competitor to avoid impacting on those with a genuine handicap.

As the race distances are less than any of the series races, we will calculate a reduced time for each of the disciplines. We then list all the estimated race times in reverse order with the slowest competitor listed at the top and the fastest at the bottom. There is a five minute separation between male and female competitors.

Your handicap is the time difference between your estimated race time and that of the slowest competitor. It will dictate when you are set off after the slowest competitor has set off. Times will be rounded up to the nearest 15 whole seconds so competitors are set off in small batches. The intension to have all the female and then all the male competitors finishing at the same time five minutes apart. The winner is the first across the line.

Race Routes

The swim course is a single lap starting at the edge of the water on the beach below the transition and going in a clockwise direction. Wetsuits are compulsory. In the event the water temperature goes close to or above the ITU recommended levels, we will advise you at registration whether wetsuits can be worn or are optional. There is a starter on the beach and a count down clock.

It is your responsibility to be on the beach ready for your start. Please do not warm up on the course or impede any competitor that has already started.

Both the bike and run courses are on the public highway. Competitors must obey the rules of the road. Any transgressions will result in disqualification. Motorcycle commissaries will also be present to prevent drafting and notify the organisers of any road traffic violations by competitors. These are non-drafting races and we again emphasis that you must obey the rules of the road and cycle in a safe manner so that you do not put marshals or other competitors at risk.

The cycle route comprise of two and not the usual three laps of the course, starting and finishing at the same point. Please be careful at all junctions and listen to the marshals. The route is a triangular course, turning left out of the lake. In the village of Bibstone, there is a right hand turn. The initial approach to this is blind. Signs will be erected and a marshal posted to warn you of the approach. Please obey their instructions, slow down and only turn when advised it is safe to do so. A timing mat will be placed on the B4058 to confirm competitors have complete completed the necessary laps.

The run is out and back along the lane adjacent to the lake. Competitors only complete one out and back lap of the course before returning to the finish line close to transition. The road is quiet, but is open to vehicles.

Prizes will be given out based on the first three to cross the line for both male and female, irrespective of age category. Results will be posted within 48 hours, including net times with the handicap removed.

Please remember this is a private estate and make sure you take all of your litter with you.